Joseph Bodin de Boismortier settled in Paris only in the early 1720s, establishing himself as a popular, if carelessly prolific, composer. He provided a welcome boost to contemporary flute repertoire, with works that varied in form, instrumentation and quality.

Stage Works

For the theatre Boismortier wrote two ballets, a pastorale and a tragédie lyrique. His comic ballet based on Cervantes, Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse (‘Don Quixote at the Duchess’s’), has recently been revived.

Instrumental Music

Boismortier seems to have been the first French composer to use the Italian word ‘concerto’, as he does in his Six Concertos for five flutes. His many instrumental compositions include a large number of pieces for flute (or at least pieces suitable for the instrument).